Amusement park ride and method for operating an amusement park ride

ABSTRACT

A ride comprises two rails  4   a   , 4   b , which extend in parallel at least in a certain section, on which rails respective vehicles  2   a  or  2   b  move. The rail  4   a  comprises a reversal section  3,  in which the rail  4   a  is wound, so that a vehicle  2   a  driving through the reversal section  3  is rotated into an overhead position. The first rail  4   a  extends in the inversion portion above the second rail  4   b  so that the heads of the passengers received in the vehicles  2   a  and  2   b  point towards each other in this section. At least the first car  2   a  runs through an acceleration track B in overhead position, wherein a launch drive disposed in the acceleration track increases the velocity of the first vehicle  2   a.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a ride for amusement parks and the like, comprising at least one drive track, having a guide means, in particular rails for guiding one or several vehicles along the drive track; an overhead track section, disposed along the drive track; and a drive for accelerating and/or braking the vehicle(s). The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating a ride for amusement parks and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rides in amusements parks and the like have become more and more popular. Accordingly, new driving maneuvers are integrated into the equipment and new operating procedures are developed for the equipment in order to increase the enjoyment of the ride.

In particular, a plurality of different inversion driving maneuvers is known, in which the passenger sitting in a vehicle is disposed in an overhead position, at least during a short period of time, while going through the driving maneuver. Known driving maneuvers of this type are loopings, corkscrews, and so on. Through the overhead position such driving maneuvers obtain a special allure. An additional increase of the driving enjoyment by means of ever more spectacular maneuvers, however, is technically complex and expensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a ride with new entertainment effects for the passengers of the ride and an operating method for the ride.

This object is accomplished by providing a ride for amusement parks according to claim 1 and a method for operating a ride for amusement parks according to claim 8.

Advantageous embodiments can be derived from the features of the dependent claims.

Thus a ride for amusement parks and the like comprises at least one drive track having a guide means, in particular rails, for guiding one or several vehicles along the drive track; an overhead track section disposed along the drive track; and a drive for accelerating the vehicle(s). According to the invention, the drive, or part of the drive, is disposed in the portion of the overhead track section.

The vehicles can be e.g. rail based cars or trains, which are movable along the drive track. The invention, however, also relates to rides, in which the head of the passenger, who is positioned in the passenger retainer, points towards the guide means, so-called “inverted coasters”.

The core idea of the invention, which can be designated as “inverted launch” or “overhead launch”, is comprised of an acceleration of a vehicle of a ride in a so-called “overhead section” or “overhead track section”, namely, a track section of the drive track in which the passengers are disposed in an overhead position. Overhead position means in this context any position in which the legs and/or part of the body of the passenger are positioned higher than the head portion. In particular, overhead position means a position in which the head and the body of the passenger are disposed substantially vertically, i. e. towards the surface of the earth, and the head points downward in the direction of the surface of the earth.

Overhead positions are e.g. reached in the upper sections of a looping. The vehicle, however, can be brought from a normal position into an overhead position, through a helical movement of 180° around an axis parallel to the drive track.

According to the invention, the vehicle is accelerated when the passengers are disposed in an overhead position, or the vehicle is accelerated in an overhead position when leaving the overhead position. The acceleration can be positive or negative (braking), in particular it will, however, be a positive acceleration with a velocity increase.

The drive is in particular a launch drive. The drive can be e.g. a linear synchronous motor (LSM), or a linear induction motor (LIM).

Different drives for driving the vehicles or the vehicle trains for use in amusement rides are known. The so-called launch drives are a certain class of drives, e.g. linear synchronous motors (LSM), or linear induction motors (LIM). By means of these drives, these vehicles can be accelerated in order to e.g. go through an elevation difference, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into potential energy. For the acceleration according to the invention in the overhead position, different drives can be used, e.g. a linear motor, like a LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) or LIM (Linear Induction Motor). These drives are particularly suitable, since the vehicle does not have to stand still or drive very slowly in these systems at the beginning of the acceleration track, due to systematic reasons, nor is increased complexity necessary for coupling the acceleration means to the vehicles.

The drive can be a friction wheel drive in another embodiment.

In particular, the drive is disposed so that the vehicle is accelerated while passing through the overhead track section.

In a particular embodiment, the drive is disposed so that the vehicle is accelerated after leaving the overhead track section.

It is preferred in particular that the vehicle enters the overhead section already with a certain initial velocity and then gets accelerated further. Thus, an exposure period in the overhead position is facilitated, which is long enough for the passengers to sense the effect intensively. On the other hand, an excessively long exposure period in the overhead position should be avoided since it causes nausea or health risks. In other words, the time duration of the effect can be controlled by the entry velocity of the vehicle into the overhead track section. The so-called overhead launch, however, can also be initiated with a very small launch velocity, or from standstill.

As an alternative to an entry into the overhead portion, the vehicle can be brought into the overhead position by means of a mechanical device (e.g. a rotating device) and can then be accelerated in a subsequent track section. Thus, also a start with very small velocities, or from standstill, is possible, without exceeding certain exposure duration for the passengers in the overhead position.

The ride particularly comprises an additional drive, which is disposed along the drive track in a track section in front of the overhead track section. In particular, the drive is disposed directly before the overhead section in order to create an initial velocity for the entry into the overhead section.

The drive track can comprise a downward slope, disposed in front of the overhead track section, so that the vehicle goes through a velocity increase before entering the overhead track section from the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy, while driving through the downward slope. The drive before, or in the overhead track section, provides an additional acceleration in this case.

The initial velocity can be reached in any manner in the context of the invention, e.g. by means of an additional predisposed launch drive, or by means of a predisposed downward slope. Technically speaking, the additional predisposed accelerating drive can be comprised of two separate drives, or it can be one single drive, whose components are distributed along the drive track, or disposed in separate sections. Thus, e.g. in case of a linear motor, the inverter, the control regulation and safety means, etc. are provided only once. Also, the stator length at the drive track, or the number of the stator units can be the same as it would be necessary in case of a single launch track for reaching the terminal velocity. However, in this embodiment, the stators are disposed e.g. in two groups.

The overhead track section can comprise an acceleration track section which is straight and/or has a large radius. The transition from a first launch section into the overhead section is preferably performed in a curved track. This allows a comfortable transition into the overhead position. Furthermore, the passenger experiences the exciting jolt of the acceleration twice, namely in the overhead section and in the section disposed before the overhead section.

The object of the invention is also accomplished by an operating method for operating a ride for amusements parks and the like, comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) Provide a drive track, having a guide means, in particular         rails, for guiding one or several vehicles along the drive         track, and an overhead track section disposed along the drive         track;     -   b) Provide one or several vehicles along the drive track; and     -   c) Accelerate at least one vehicle in the overhead track section         and/or adjacent to the overhead track section

Preferably the at least one vehicle is accelerated in the overhead track section and/or during the exit from the overhead track section. An acceleration during the exit from the overhead track section includes accelerating the vehicle in a portion of the overhead track section near the end of the overhead track section and/or immediately after leaving the overhead track section.

In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is additionally pre-accelerated before reaching the overhead track section in order to enter the overhead track section with an initial velocity, wherein the vehicle is additionally accelerated in the overhead track section.

Another advantageous feature of the invention is the comfortable and safe reaching of the overhead position. This is preferably accomplished through suitable drive maneuvers, e.g. driving through a half-looping, a half-helix, wherein the term helix stands for a plurality of such elements as heart line, corkscrew, barrel roll, etc., or a combination of the known elements, e.g. helix and curve, etc.

Different from conventional drive maneuvers, the drive track according to the invention can be configured so that during entry into the overhead launch track (inverted launch track), a relatively comfortable transition into the launch track is reached. The launch track, which means the acceleration portion in the overhead section, is thus provided in particular long enough, so that a desired acceleration can be performed, and the desired drive effects can be reached.

By means of the overhead position, the thrill of a launch, which lies in the high acceleration, is additionally increased. Thus, the enjoyment of the ride can be additionally increased by the equipment according to the invention.

In the equipment design certain safety precautions shall be considered, since on the one hand many acceleration limits apply in the overhead position, which are otherwise not applicable in the normal sitting position, and, on the other hand, a long lasting overhead position, e.g. as a consequence of a malfunction, is to be avoided.

Thus, in the context of the invention, a braking system can be used either as a part of the launch system, or in addition to the launch system, in order to avoid dangerous situations. In particular, the braking system can prevent the vehicle from rolling back with high velocity and possibly colliding with a subsequent vehicle after an unsuccessful launch, in which the vehicle does not pass a subsequent point of high elevation. The safety measures can e.g. in case of a LSM be implemented such that the stators are short circuited behind the vehicle, and thus in case of a backward movement, the LSM becomes an Eddy current brake. In this case, care has to be taken to make sure that the track of the inverted launch comprises enough downward or upward slope, so that no excessive exposure time in the overhead position is created in spite of the braking effect.

When aborting a launch, e.g. due to a malfunction, it can happen that the vehicle comes to a standstill at a track position from which the driving can not possibly be continued without special measures. For this reason, means are provided in a special embodiment of the invention in order to allow a comfortable exit for the passengers, or to simply and quickly bring the vehicle into a position for a re-launch or for a continuation of the driving.

Furthermore, measures are taken according to the invention, which avoid that impermissibly high forces impact the passengers in the overhead position, when the brake function is erroneously activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and features of the invention can be derived from the subsequent figures and from the associated description of particular embodiments.

There is shown in:

FIGS. 1 through 3 a respective schematic track section of a ride according to the invention;

FIG. 4 a first cutout of a ride according to the invention; and

FIG. 5 a second cutout from the ride of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 through 3 schematically illustrate possible rail paths of a drive track section 1 of a ride for guiding at least one vehicle 2, wherein the guide means determining the drive track in the drive track section 1 is formed so that a track section 3 is transitioned, through which the vehicle 2 is turned upside down and brought into an overhead position from the typical driving position, namely it goes through an inversion. After passing through the track section 3, the vehicle 2 is configured so that the heads of the passengers substantially point downward towards the surface of the earth.

In the overhead section 4, acceleration means, in particular launch drives like LSM or LIM, are disposed to accelerate the inverted vehicle, or further accelerate it from its velocity, when reaching the acceleration section 4. The acceleration can be performed from a standstill, or from an initial velocity.

In particular, a drive and/or a part of a drive can be disposed in a track portion 5, disposed in front of the reversal portion 3, and a second drive, or a second portion of the drive can be disposed in the overhead section 4 for post acceleration. The drives accelerate the vehicle 2 along the drive track.

FIG. 1 shows a rail layout of the track section 1, having a reversal portion 3, which is provided in a rising track portion.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the reversal portion 3 is provided in a substantially horizontal track section.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the inversion of the vehicle 2 is performed by driving through a simple half-looping. The reversal portion 3 can thus be considered as an approximately vertically extending track portion in the ascending portion of the looping.

The invention however should not be confined to these track types, but should generally include the acceleration of an inverted vehicle after passing through a reversal portion 3.

In FIG. 4, a cutout of a ride according to the invention is illustrated. The track section 1 comprises two rails 4 a, 4 b, which extend substantially in parallel in the illustrated cutout. The rails 4 a and 4 b can thus be cutouts of two different tracks. The track portion 4 a, 4 b, however, can also be configured as track sections of a single track. On the rails 4 a, 4 b, a respective vehicle 2 a or 2 b moves with velocities v or w, in the direction indicated by arrows. The velocities v and w can thus be substantially equal in this phase of the operation. By means of the track layout, a type of duel situation between the vehicles 2 a and 2 b is created. The track section 1 can certainly be configured in any other track configurations and with or without a duel situation.

At least the first vehicle 2 a initially runs through a first acceleration track A (first launch section), in which a first launch drive is disposed, which increases an entry velocity v₀ in the portion A by accelerating the vehicle 2 a to the velocity v. Thereby, the impression is created with the passengers of the first vehicle 2 a, which runs in the illustrated track section 1 through the outer and thus longer path, that the disadvantage of the longer drive track is being compensated by a higher velocity of their vehicle 2 a.

The track 4 a in contrast to the track 4 b has a reversal portion 3 in the illustrated portion of the track section 1, in which the rail 4 (4 a and 4 b) is wound, so that a vehicle, driving through the reversal portion 3, is rotated into an overhead position. Since the first rail 4 a extends in the inversion portion 3 above the second rail 4 b, in this section the heads of the passengers received in the vehicles 2 a and 2 b point towards each other.

At least the first vehicle 2 a runs through a second acceleration track B (launch section) in overhead position, in which a second launch drive is disposed, which increases the velocity v of the first vehicle 2 a to a velocity u. Thus, the impression is generated with the passengers of the first vehicle 2 a that the second vehicle 2 b is being passed.

In the FIG. 5, the vehicle 2 a is illustrated after passing through the acceleration track B. The vehicle 2 a can subsequently pass through a second reversal portion 5 in order to be rotated into the typical drive position (not inverted) again. The exit from the track portion 1 is performed in the embodiment according to the depiction for both vehicles 2 a and 2 b by means of another curve section.

The disposition of the inverted launch is mostly discretionary in principle. For example, a curve does not have to be disposed between a first and a second launch portion. Also, the first launch portion (before the inverted portion) does not have to be present. For example, the vehicle can enter the inverted track portion with the energy from the track portion disposed in front of it.

Within the launch tracks and/or the launch track sections, varying driving situations can be created. Thus, the two vehicles 2 a and 2 b can e.g. run through the respective drive track with different velocity profiles. This way, it is possible that the vehicles 2 a and 2 b move in respective track sections with different velocities, or a vehicle is accelerated in a track portion, while the other vehicle does not go through a simultaneous acceleration in the respective track portion, or it may go through another acceleration. In the context of the invention, discretionary controls of the two vehicles are conceivable.

In particular, the ride can comprise, at least in particular sections of the track two vehicles disposed on different drive tracks. These can e.g. be disposed on two drive tracks, extending next to each other. This way, so-called duel situations, namely competitions or races, between two vehicles driving substantially next to each other can be generated or simulated. The two vehicles are guided respectively along a predetermined track, wherein both vehicles pass each other or move practically next to each other at a small distance.

Accelerations, velocities, and so forth can either be effected automatically or by interactive inputs by the passengers. Thus, the interactive functions can be an accelerating or a braking action. A control system can thus assure that, on the one hand, certain velocities or accelerations are not exceeded or undercut, and on the other hand, safety distances and functions necessary for operational processes, e.g. for achieving a certain capacity, are maintained.

Different rides, e.g. roller coasters can have totally different characteristics in the context of the invention. A direct competition by means of the combination of two rail systems disposed in parallel is conceivable. In the simplest form, the track can be comprised of two ovals having two intersections in order to create a real competition atmosphere. 

1. A ride for amusement parks and the like, comprising: at least one drive track having a guide means for guiding at least one vehicle along the drive track; an overhead track section disposed along the drive track; and a drive or a portion of a drive for accelerating the at least one vehicle, wherein the drive is disposed along at least a portion of the overhead track section.
 2. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the drive is a launch drive.
 3. A ride according to claim 2, wherein the drive is a linear synchronous motor (LSM) or a linear induction motor (LIM).
 4. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the drive is a friction wheel drive.
 5. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the drive is disposed so that the vehicle is accelerated while driving through the overhead track section.
 6. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the drive is configured so that the vehicle is accelerated after leaving the overhead track section.
 7. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the ride further comprises a second drive, which is disposed along the drive track in front of the overhead track section.
 8. A ride according to claim 2, wherein the drive is disposed so that the vehicle is accelerated while driving through the overhead track section.
 9. A ride according to claim 2, wherein the drive is configured so that the vehicle is accelerated after leaving the overhead track section.
 10. A ride according to claim 2, wherein the ride further comprises a second drive, which is disposed along the drive track in front of the overhead track section.
 11. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the drive track further comprises a track section with a downward slope, disposed in front of the overhead track section.
 12. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the drive track comprises a second track portion which extends adjacent to the overhead track portion.
 13. A ride according to claim 12, wherein the second track section extends in a direction substantially parallel to the overhead track section.
 14. A ride according to claim 1, wherein the guide means is rails.
 15. A method for operating a ride for amusement parks and the like, comprising the following steps: a) providing a drive track having a guide means, in particular rails, for guiding at least one vehicle along the drive track, and an overhead track section disposed along the drive track; b) providing at least one first vehicle along the drive track; and c) accelerating the at least one first vehicle in at least a portion of the overhead track section and/or adjacent to the overhead track section.
 16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the at least one first vehicle is accelerated during the exit from the overhead track section.
 17. A method according to claim 15, wherein the at least one first vehicle is additionally accelerated before reaching the overhead track section.
 18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the drive track provided in the method step a) further comprises at least one second track section which extends adjacent to the overhead track section, the method further comprising: d) providing at least one second vehicle to move along the at least one second track section while a first vehicle is moved in the portion of the overhead track section.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the first vehicle is moved along the overhead track section while the second vehicle is moved along the second track section, so that a race situation between the first and the second vehicles is generated. 